Above is a YouTube video from the inaugural North Bay FIRST Regional Robotics competition last year, with Team 1305 looking to benefit from home field advantage at the second annual event this week.

36 teams from across the province are here for the competition at Nipissing University. After two other regionals, Team 1305 has yet to qualify for the World Championship coming up next month in St Louis, but hopes are high with the local event.

Team member Abbey Thompson says they’re inviting everyone to check out the competition.

Meantime, Thompson says practice sessions are lined up for today (Thursday).

Saturday includes more qualification rounds followed by the elimination round.

Overall, officials say there’s a huge economic impact with the event. Thompson says both the city and the university are benefiting.

 

Meantime, Union Gas is supporting the North Bay Regional Robotics competition.

For a third year they’ve contributed $50,000 to FIRST Robotics Canada, which supports eight Ontario teams and three competitions, including the local event.

2015 North Bay FIRST Regional